Neural networks to locate and quantify fugitive natural gas leaks for a MIR detection system
Not Available
03 NATURAL GAS↗
SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “3D systems”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Analysis of Radioactive 65 Zn Contamination using 3D Position Sensitive CdZnTe Detectors
SRNL NMG Goal: In collaboration with ORNL, the aim is to identify and explore innovative technology opportunities that accelerate disposition, reduce life cycle costs, minimize worker radiation exposure, and improve worker safety and minimize program risks. • This process will include 3 glovebox systems that require personnel to dilute and package the plutonium for safe storage at WIPP. • For holdup monitoring and verification, gamma ray spectroscopy and imaging are the methods employed to achieve real time analysis of the plutonium waste. 2
Nwadeyi, Valerie E.↗
Hydrogen production from full-strength corn stover fermentation effluent in single-chamber replaceable-cathode microbial electrolysis cells
Lignocellulosic residual biomass generated by the agricultural sector is an abundant feedstock for biohydrogen production via dark fermentation. However, this process is intrinsically inefficient, converting only ~30% of the reductant energy into H2 and leaving substantial amounts of reduced byproducts. These byproducts, mostly found in the fermentation effluents, can be further valorized in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) to enhance the overall H2 recovery. However, current MEC configurations are typically dual- or single-chamber systems, yet both suffer from key inefficiencies. Dual-chamber systems rely on proton exchange membranes that are costly and prone to rapid biofouling, whereas single-chamber, membraneless systems are limited by reduced productivity due to H2 recycling and methanogenic consumption In this study, three single-chamber, 50-mL replaceable-cathode microbial electrolysis cells (RC-MECs) were 3D-printed and equipped with a physical separator to isolate anode and cathode compartments and limit H2 migration. Full-strength milled corn stover (MCS) fermentation effluent (COD of ~23.8 g-COD/L) was treated in fed-batch mode over two operational periods spanning 21 (Run 1) and 80 (Run 2) days. The RC-MECs exhibited comparable performance in both runs: after biofilm maturation, current densities exceeded 100 A/m²_cathode, COD removal reached up to 43%. Notably, extended RC-MECs operation led to a substantial methanogenic activity with the CH4 fraction in the cathode gas increasing to as high as 80% of the total biogas. Additions of a methanogenesis inhibitor 2-bromoethanesulfonate (2-BES) produced transient increases in hydrogen yields (11.51 and 5.12 L-H2/L_reactor/day in Runs 1 and 2, respectively); however, sustained 2-BES addition in subsequent cycles reduced total biogas production, decreased COD removal, and led to volatile fatty acid accumulation. Overall, single-chamber MECs can treat high-strength dark fermentation effluents while improving H2 recovery, but methanogenesis remains a key bottleneck, and complete long-term inhibition may be operationally unsustainable.
Hydrogen Production↗
Work Function Engineering of 2D Materials: The Role of Polar Edge Reconstructions
2D materials have attracted tremendous interest as functional materials because of their diverse and tunable properties, especially at their edges. A material’s work function is a critical parameter in many electronic devices; however, a fundamental understanding and a path toward large alterations of the work function in 2D materials still remain elusive. Here in this paper, we report the first evidence for anisotropy of the work function in 2D MoS 2 from first-principles calculations. We also demonstrate large work-function tunability (in the range of 3.45–6.29 eV) choosing the 2H phase of MoS 2 as a model system by sampling various edge configurations. We furthermore reveal the origin of this work function anisotropy and tunability by extending the existing work function relation to the local dipole moment at surfaces of 3D materials to those at edges in 2D materials. We then use machine-learning approaches to correlate work function with edge structures. These results pave the way for intrinsic edge engineering for electronic and catalytic applications.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Real-time mixed reality display of dual particle radiation detector data
Radiation source localization and characterization are challenging tasks that currently require complex analyses for interpretation. Mixed reality (MR) technologies are at the verge of wide scale adoption and can assist in the visualization of complex data. Herein, we demonstrate real-time visualization of gamma ray and neutron radiation detector data in MR using the Microsoft HoloLens 2 smart glasses, significantly reducing user interpretation burden. Radiation imaging systems typically use double-scatter events of gamma rays or fast neutrons to reconstruct the incidence directional information, thus enabling source localization. The calculated images and estimated ’hot spots’ are then often displayed in 2D angular space projections on screens. By combining a state-of-the-art dual particle imaging system with HoloLens 2, we propose to display the data directly to the user via the head-mounted MR smart glasses, presenting the directional information as an overlay to the user’s 3D visual experience. We describe an open source implementation using efficient data transfer, image calculation, and 3D engine. We thereby demonstrate for the first time a real-time user experience to display fast neutron or gamma ray images from various radioactive sources set around the detector. We also introduce an alternative source search mode for situations of low event rates using a neural network and simulation based training data to provide a fast estimation of the source’s angular direction. Using MR for radiation detection provides a more intuitive perception of radioactivity and can be applied in routine radiation monitoring, education & training, emergency scenarios, or inspections.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Ferrimagnetic 120 ° magnetic structure in Cu 2 OSO 4
We report magnetic properties of a 3d 9 (Cu 2+ ) magnetic insulator Cu 2 OSO 4 measured on both powder and single crystal. The magnetic atoms of this compound form layers whose geometry can be described either as a system of chains coupled through dimers or as a kagome lattice where every third spin is replaced by a dimer. Specific heat and DC susceptibility show a magnetic transition at 20 K, which is also confirmed by neutron scattering. Magnetic entropy extracted from the specific heat data is consistent with an S=1/2 degree of freedom per Cu 2+ , and so is the effective moment extracted from DC susceptibility. The ground state has been identified by means of neutron diffraction on both powder and single crystal and corresponds to an ~120° spin structure in which ferromagnetic intradimer alignment results in a net ferrimagnetic moment. No evidence is found for a change in lattice symmetry down to 2 K. Finally, our results suggest that Cu 2 OSO 4 represents a type of model lattice with frustrated interactions where interplay between magnetic order, thermal and quantum fluctuations can be explored.
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
On-Chip Batteries as Distributed Energy Sources in Heterogeneous 2.5D/3D Integrated Circuits
Energy efficiency in digital systems faces challenges due to the constraints imposed by small-scale transistors. Moreover, the growing demand for portable consumer electronics necessitates the use of compact energy sources. To address these challenges, heterogeneous 3D IC technology has emerged as a promising solution for the former. Regarding the latter, we propose the concept of distributed batteries within a heterogeneous 3D IC. This approach involves utilizing multiple smaller batteries with different specifications among different modules of 3D ICs. This approach optimizes performance and overcomes limitations associated with both 3D ICs and conventional power delivery methods. Distributed batteries play a vital role in effectively managing the heat generated by energy sources and modules within a 3D IC. Furthermore, they contribute to achieving a uniform distribution of heat throughout the entire structure, which ultimately ensures the optimal performance of the batteries and modules. The simulation results indicate a 40 percent enhancement in achieving a more even distribution of generated heat. Additionally, the proposed distributed battery techniques improve power delivery, enhance reliability, and enable optimized voltage regulation while improving efficiency. In addition to the primary benefits, alternative configurations of the proposed approach can offer extra energy storage capacity and act as efficient electromagnetic shields, resulting in an impressive reduction of external electromagnetic noises by 60 dB.
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
3D Exact Analytical Solutions of Two-fluid Plasma, Magnetohydrodynamics, and Neutral Fluid Equations for the Creation of Ordered Structures as well as Jet-like Flows
The 3D exact analytical solutions of ideal two-fluid plasma, single-fluid plasma, and neutral fluid equations have been found using physically justifiable assumptions. Surprisingly these solutions satisfy all nonlinearities in the systems. It is pointed out that these solutions explain the fundamental mechanism behind the creation of a vast variety of ordered structures in plasmas and fluids. In the limiting case of 2D dependence of fields, the theoretical model for plasma is applied to explain the formation of spicules in the solar chromosphere. It is pointed out that the main contribution of electron (ion) baroclinic vectors is to produce vorticity in the plasma, and that magnetic field generation is coupled with the flow of both electrons and ions.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
Combining Particle Tracking with Electromagnetic Radiation Showers: Merging GPT and Geant4 with Visualization
Field emitted electrons can seriously affect the operation of high-field, high-duty factor electron accelerators. Accelerated field emission can result in high average power beams which can radiation damage beamline components. In addition, localized losses generate thermal hot spots whose outgassing degrades the ultra-high vacuum required in photoinjectors and cryomodules. However, despite their importance, the effects of field emission are rarely included in the design and engineering of electron injectors. This work attempts to remedy this situation by combining two well-known and well-documented programs, GPT and Geant4, to track electrons and their losses in an injector beamline. This paper describes a system of programs which simulates electron paths and losses along the beamline. In addition, the tracking results can be zoomed and panned along and about the beampipe envelope using an open-source 3D CAD program. The scattering albedo calculations of the combined program, GPT-Geant4, are shown to be in good agreement with the literature albedos. The paper concludes with a dark current simulation for the LCLS-II injector from the cathode to the collimator at 1.5 m from the cathode.
Dowell, David H.↗
Radioactive Cleaning Robot
Here at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, particle accelerators are constantly running, giving off excess radioactive dust. This dust can be extremely harmful to people and the environment, posing numerous issues. The goal of this project is to conceptualize an automated cleaning solution. With this main goal in mind, the project started with a brainstorming session. The main concept relied on the use of a powder distributing system paired with a vacuum to easily attract and trap the dust. From this main concept, multiple sketches were produced, showing a robot with pieced-together systems. With the initial idea down, each subsystem could be brought further with the inner workings being sketched out. After sketches and proof of concept were polished, the next step was to begin 3D modeling, using NX, to bring life into the sketches. With every day came new ideas, modifying the previous sketches and models as necessary. Soon after the bigger structures were fleshed out, the focus could be shifted onto the less pressing subsystems. Adding a conveyor belt and spinning brush attachment to the powder hopper allowed for more even powder distribution. Along with that, the addition of spring-loaded brushes on the vacuum nozzle ensures constant dust agitation, improving overall functionality. A few other quality of life improvements, such as a removable dust reservoir with a ramp gave a push towards real life functionality. After considering the logistics of this robot functioning in real-life, pressure plates were provided to stop the robot from crashing into its surroundings. Having all of the individual models lead to an overall assembly. Making this robot programmable allowed for this project to meet the design requirements, providing a solution to the previous dilemma.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Characterization of Fuel-to-Coolant Heat Transfer During Reactivity-Initiated Accidents Using Tightly Coupled Thermal Hydraulics and Fuel Thermomechanics
The reactivity-initiated accident (RIA) is a complex scenario with several tightly interacting physical phenomena. Accurately predicting fuel behavior during these transients is difficult due to limitations in the modeling of fuel-to-coolant heat transfer. Common approaches to simulate RIAs involve standalone calculations using either a fuel performance code or a thermal-hydraulic code. The complex interdependencies of thermal-hydraulic and fuel mechanical behavior suggest that a tight coupling between these codes may provide more accurate predictions of fuel-to-coolant heat transfer and cladding mechanical response. Here, RELAP5-3D and BISON are coupled in this paper to simulate RIAs, and a sensitivity analysis is performed to rank key thermal properties and two-phase heat transfer parameters relevant for fuel-to-coolant heat transfer and cladding failure mechanisms in UO 2 –Zircaloy-4 systems. Gas gap conductance, film boiling heat transfer uncertainty, pulse width, fuel-specific heat capacity, and cladding-specific heat capacity were identified as important parameters. Variations in figures of merit resulting from changes to pulse width and the material thermal properties indicate that time-dependent heat transfer rates are significant for safety-relevant mechanical parameters due to the time dependence of cladding ductility and pellet-cladding mechanical interaction loading. The results suggest that the thermal-hydraulic factors have a nonnegligible influence on the thermomechanical solution and vice versa. Tight coupling of both sets of physics is recommended to improve prediction of fuel behavior during RIAs. Highlights include the following: 1. The RELAP5-3D thermal-hydraulic code and the BISON fuel performance code are tightly coupled for simulation of RIA transients with energy depositions at the Zircaloy-4 cladding failure threshold. 2. Departure from nucleate boiling occurred for all simulated cases. Due to the ductility of fresh fuel, substantial ballooning occurred in most cases. 3. Gas gap conductance, fuel-specific heat capacity, cladding-specific heat capacity, transient pulse width, and film boiling heat transfer were the dominant thermal factors impacting the safety figures of merit at energy depositions.
Critical Heat Flux (CHF)↗
J-GEM optical and near-infrared follow-up of gravitational wave events during LIGO’s and Virgo’s third observing run
The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory Scientific Collaboration and Virgo Collaboration (LVC) sent out 56 gravitational-wave (GW) notices during the third observing run (O3). The Japanese Collaboration for Gravitational wave ElectroMagnetic follow-up (J-GEM) performed optical and near-infrared observations to identify and observe an electromagnetic (EM) counterpart. We constructed a web-based system that enabled us to obtain and share information on candidate host galaxies for the counterpart, and the status of our observations. Candidate host galaxies were selected from the GLADE catalog with a weight based on the 3D GW localization map provided by LVC. We conducted galaxy-targeted and wide-field blind surveys, real-time data analysis, and visual inspection of observed galaxies. We performed galaxy-targeted follow-ups to 23 GW events during O3, and the maximum probability covered by our observations reached 9.8%. Among these, we successfully started observations for 10 GW events within 0.5 days after the detection. This result demonstrates that our follow-up observation has the potential to constrain EM radiation models for a merger of binary neutron stars at a distance of up to ~100 Mpc with a probability area of ≤ 500 deg 2 .
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
AOI [1] Advanced Manufacturing of Ceramic Anchors with Embedded Sensors for Process and Health Monitoring of Coal Boilers
Researchers at West Virginia University (WVU) developed methods to fabricate and test ceramic anchors with an embedded sensor technology for monitoring the health and processing conditions within pulverized coal (PC) and fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) boiler systems. The technology included the development of advanced manufacturing processes for 2D/3D printing electroceramic (conductive ceramic) sensor designs within the ceramic anchor microstructure during the manufacturing process. This advanced manufacturing process would allow for the precise control of local microstructure and composition in order to engineer layer-by-layer any protective and electrically active materials within the refractory anchor. This 3D printing technology would permit the rapid and controlled design of the refractory microstructure and embedded sensor design throughout the volume of the ceramic anchor. The work also included a method to interconnect the sensors to boiler shell through the anchor clamp, where the sensor signals will be processed by low-power electronics and transmitted wirelessly to a central processing hub. The end-goal of the program was to produce a ceramic anchor sensor system which would be ready for implementation within a coal boiler, and/or other similar refractory liner systems (such as that in the glass and metal manufacturing areas). The project objectives were to: 1) Define the chemical and microstructural stability, in addition to the electrical properties, of oxide and non-oxide ceramic composites to be embedded within the ceramic anchor compositions that may operate up to 1400ºC; 2) Develop and implement the 2D/3D printing technology to pattern and control the microstructure of the ceramic anchor and embedded sensor circuits; 3) Develop an interconnect technology which will permit easy installation of the ceramic anchors and signal collection at the boiler shell; 4) Develop low power analog electronics and wireless communication hardware to efficiently collect the sensor signal at each processing unit and transmit data to a central hub for data analysis; 5) Demonstrate the smart ceramic anchor system for temperature and liner fracture within a high-temperature processing unit, such as a boiler furnace or glass melting furnace floor/wall liner.
20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
Dispersive interactions between standard and Dirac materials and the role of dimensionality
The van der Waals (vdW) interaction plays a prominent role between neutral objects at separations where short ranged chemical forces are negligible. This type of dispersive coupling is determined by the interplay between geometry and response properties of the materials making up the objects. Here, we investigate the vdW interaction between 1D, 2D, and 3D standard and Dirac materials within the Random Phase Approximation, which takes into account collective excitations originating from the electronic Coulomb potential. A comprehensive understanding of characteristic functionalities and scaling laws are obtained for systems with parabolic energy dispersion (standard materials) and crossing linear bands (Dirac materials). By comparing the quantum mechanical and thermal limits the onset of thermal fluctuations in the vdW interaction is discussed showing that thermal effects are significantly pronounced at smaller scales in reduced dimensions.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Disentangling electronic, lattice, and spin dynamics in the chiral helimagnet Cr 1/3 NbS 2
We investigate the static and ultrafast magneto-optical response of the hexagonal chiral helimagnet Cr 1/3 NbS 2 above and below the helimagnetic ordering temperature. The presence of a magnetic easy plane contained within the crystallographic $ab$-plane is confirmed, while degenerate optical pump-probe experiments reveal significant differences in the dynamic between the parent, NbS 2 , and Cr-intercalated compounds. Time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements show a two-step demagnetization process, where an initial, subpicosecond relaxation and subsequent buildup (τ > 50ps) in the demagnetization dynamic scale similarly with increasing pump fluence. Despite theoretical evidence for partial gapping of the minority spin channel, suggestive of possible half-metallicity in Cr 1/3 NbS 2 , such a long demagnetization dynamic likely results from spin-lattice relaxation as opposed to minority state blocking. However, comparison of the two-step demagnetization process in Cr 1/3 NbS 2 with other 3d intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides reveals a behavior that is unexpected from conventional spin-lattice relaxation, and may be attributed to the complicated interaction of local moments with itinerant electrons in this material system.
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
Roadmap on thermodynamics and thermal metamaterials
Thermal metamaterials represent a transformative paradigm in modern physics, synergizing thermodynamic principles with metamaterial engineering to master heat flow at will. As next-generation technologies demand multi-scale thermal control, this field urgently requires systematic frameworks to unify its multidisciplinary advances. Curated through a global collaboration involving over 50 specialists across 25 subdisciplines, this review primarily summarizes two decades of advancements, ranging from theoretical breakthroughs to functional implementations. The review reveals groundbreaking innovations in heat manipulation through the exploration of both classical and non-classical transport regimes, topological thermal control mechanisms, and quantum-informed phonon engineering strategies. By bridging physical insights like non-Hermitian thermal dynamics and valleytronic phonon transport with cutting-edge applications, we demonstrate paradigm-shifting capabilities: environment-adaptive thermal cloaks, AI-optimized metamaterials, and nonlinear thermal circuits enabling heat-based computation. Experimental milestones include 3D thermal null media with reconfigurable invisibility and thermal designs breaking classical conductivity limits. Here, this collaborative effort establishes an indispensable roadmap for physicists, highlighting pathways to quantum thermal management, entropy-controlled energy systems, and topological devices. As thermal metamaterials transition from laboratory marvels to technological cornerstones, this work provides the foundational lexicon and design principles for the coming era of intelligent thermal matter.
heat conduction control↗
Experimental investigation of the influence of drainage condition on change in saturation of sheared sand
Here, this paper investigates the validity of the interpretation of results from testing saturated axisymmetric triaxial compression (ATC) sand specimens utilising three-dimensional (3D) synchrotron micro-computed tomography (SMT) to probe localised events that are completely missed or misinterpreted when analysing ATC measurements based on global standard measurements. Drained and undrained experiments were conducted at low and high back-pressures (BPs) coupled with multiple in situ 3D SMT to acquire high-resolution scans of the specimens at different axial strains. Specimens tested under low BP exhibited a large pore air volume change, which was not detected by the pump system that represents standard volume measurement. The increase in air volume caused a significant reduction in the degree of saturation leading to a possible transition from saturated to partially saturated constitutive behaviour. Undrained experiments exhibited a significant volume change contrary to the assumption of negligible volumetric strain for saturated undrained experiments. Air bubbles within the shear band for drained and undrained low-BP specimens showed opposite capillary pressure responses, increased for drained and decreased for undrained cases, due to the variation in the mechanism by which each of the two experiments predominantly counters the volume expansion within the shear band.
capillary pressure↗
Mixed Material Scintillator Systems (NA-22 Project End Report)
This project aimed to invent, model, and prototype architected multimaterial scintillator systems (AMSSs), a new class of radiation detectors that use heterogenous internal structures of different scintillating materials to detect additional properties of radiation. These internal structures can be produced using additive manufacture (AM, i.e. 3D printing) of scintillator, a currently emerging application of additive manufacture technology. AMSSs combine the low cost and complexity of conventional scintillation detectors with capabilities currently only available in more expensive and complex detectors. By identifying promising AMSS designs, this project enabled a new class of detectors to meet DNN’s mission needs for SNM detection.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗